spring ephemeral

Ephemeral

Ephemeral things (from Greekεφήμερος - ephemeros, literally "lasting only one day) are transitory, existing only briefly. Typically the term is used to describe objects found in nature, although it can describe a wide range of things.

There are also ephemeral islands such as Banua Wuhu and Home Reef, which reappear and disappear beneath the waves.

Biological examples

Many plants are adapted to an ephemeral lifestyle, in which they spend most of the year or longer as seeds before conditions are right for a brief period of growth and reproduction. The spring ephemeral plant mouse-ear cress is a well known example. Animals can be ephemeral, with brine shrimp being an example.

Ephemeral artifacts

Ephemeral can also be used as an adjective to refer to a fast-deteriorating importance or temporary nature of an object to a person. Brands are notoriously ephemeral assets, and magazine publishing was once much more ephemeral than it is today.

Other uses

A sensation which is felt by a person for a certain period of time before needing replenishment can be referred to as ephemeral. Often, happiness is described as ephemeral, as one does not find it as a permanent state, with human lives always varying shades of happiness and disappointment.